U.S. Car Sales Soar In 2012

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By
Brittany Cooper

Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV) 2012 proved to be a good year if you're in the car business. U.S. sales skyrocketed to a five year high and seven automakers saw all time records.

"It was phenomenal, never seen anything like it."

That was how Gregg Middlekauff, the owner of the Middlekauff Automotive Group explained last year's car sales.

Middlekauff adds, "we sold so many Ford's that we couldn't get them and Honda's, but Ford's were over the top. We would run down, normally we have 60 F–Series because it's a big truck town and we were down to five at many times because we sold every one we could get our hands on."

Ford including Lincoln took home the top notch in 2012 with more than 2.1 million vehicles sold.

"The problem with 2012 is they couldn't' make enough," adds Middlekauff.

Toyota regained the number one position in the world last year.

"We're very pleased."

The car manufacturer earned second place nods in U.S. sales, according to Wards Auto...selling just over two million cars.

Locally, Wills Toyota boasted a 25% increase in sales from 2011.

Randy Berry, General Sales Manager, Wills Toyota says, "we're hoping to gain another 25% this year over last year so that will be two years of 50% increase at this store."

Some analysts sense 2012 car sales might be indicative of economic recovery, but local dealers feel there are other factors.

Middlekauff says, " I just think people haven't bought a car in so long, they're coming in with trades, well over 100,000 miles."

2012 ...a benchmark for driving sales up into the future.

Middlekauff says 2008 was the worst year for the dealership in this five year span while 2010 proved to be the worst for Toyota. Berry says it's because of natural disasters and recalls halting Toyota's production.